Many people describe "slope" as a measure of the "steepness" of a line. Look at the two graphs below. Which line has larger slope? Which line appears to be steeper? Explain what is happening. Note 9

Is there anything about the graphs that makes comparison more difficult? Close Tip

Video SegmentIn this video segment, the onscreen participants discuss methods of comparing the slope of two lines. Watch this segment after you have completed Problem B7 and compare your methods of comparison with those of the onscreen participants.

If two graphs are drawn with the same scale, is it true that the graph that appears steeper has the larger slope?

You can find this segment on the session video, approximately 11 minutes and 32 seconds after the Annenberg Media logo.

Do the following problems on graph paper:

Problem B8

On one graph, create three different lines with slope 2. Describe what is the same and what is different about these graphs. Note 10

Problem B9

On one graph, create three different lines with negative slope. Describe what is the same and what is different about these graphs.